2004 Award Prize for Older Readers
Amber Pash on Pink
by Pauline LukeUniversity of Queensland Press
This story is told by fourteen-year old Rebecca through the medium of emails, poetry, letters, recipes and narrative. One of the book's strengths is its well-drawn characters who negotiate adjustments around the interweaving themes of separation, step-parenting, blended families, extended families, grief and loss, adolescent relationships and friendships. These themes are brought together in an easily readable and interesting manner.
Young Readers/Picture Book Award
The $1,000 Young Readers/Picture Book Award was not awarded this year. Of the picture books and books for younger readers submitted for the award, none met the criteria.Books Useful for Therapists
The following books tell stories which may enhance therapists’ insight into specific problem areas. The Committee strongly recommends that therapists read these selections critically before deciding whether they are appropriate to share with their particular clients. Because of the sensitive nature of some of these books it is important, if they are used, that they be only one tool within an ongoing therapeutic relationship — inclusion in this list does not mean a book is recommended as a self-help book.
Picture Books
A Very Important Story
by Julie KingstonHodder Childrens Books
A lovely story about a young boy quizzing his grandfather about all the important things his grandfather has done in his life. The story ends with the relationship between the grandfather and his grandson being affirmed as the most important thing.
When it is time
by Stacey McCleary, illustrated by Sally RippenLothian
‘For all those who knew the time would come …’ Sakura watches the mother hen sit on her egg …
Taming Butterflies
by Sue Whiting, illustrated by Mini GossNew Frontier
Tilly experiences butterflies in her tummy. Lots of things trigger these butterflies, until an elderly lady visiting her house helped her develop ways to quieten them. NOTE: Some concern was expressed by committee members in regards to the presence of the elderly lady who appears to be a stranger to Tilly.
Too Many Monkeys
by Margaret Wild and Sally RippenOmnibus Books
More and more extended family join the nuclear monkey family and the family just keeps squashing up to accommodate them. A lovely story about the inclusivity of family.
Books for Older Readers
No Strings
by Krista BellLothian
Amidst the theme of separated families Felix searches for a sense of belonging.
Leaving Jetty Road
by Rebecca BurtonAngus & Robertson
Three girls struggle with issues of identity and relationships. We have placed it on the list because of the way eating disorders are described and looked at from friends’ perspective.
Kalpana’s Dream
by Judith ClarkeAllen & Unwin
A crosscultural and cross-generational story in which a feisty lady from an remote village in India defies stereotyping and cultural mores to travel to Australia in order to realise her dream of reconnecting with her great-granddaughter.
Paper Bags and Dreams
by Fran DobbieHodder Children's Books
A gentle book of short stories exploring the physical and emotional changes of puberty for girl being brought up by her Aboriginal grandparents.
Soraya The Storyteller
by Rosanne HawkeLothian
Soraya is a story teller. The stories from Afghanistan, interwoven with Soraya’s experiences of being in Australia, keep her memories alive as she starts a new life under the shadow of the Temporary Protection Visa. This story is an excellent example of the use of narrative therapy, in which the vigour of the human spirit prevails and the healing power of stories works its magic.
A Horse Called Elvis
by John HeffernanScholastic
A wonderful off-beat story about an amazingly dysfunctional family who show remarkable resilience in the face of many interesting things!
The Spare Room
by Kathryn LomerUniversity of Queensland Press
Instead of finding himself in a welcoming host family, Akiri, an exchange Japanese student to Australia, finds himself in a family that he can’t make sense of. In time the unresolved grief of this family surfaces and connects Akiri with his own grief issues and self-discovery.
A Marathon of her Own: The Diary of Sophia Krikonis
ScholasticA story of migration set in 1955. The story revolves round twelve-year old Sophia’s move from Crete to Melbourne with her mother and siblings to join the father who moved two years previously. Sophia encounters prejudice and indifference, but strong family support and support from a teacher help her to adjust to Australian life. A good engaging historical depiction of the nuances of migration at this period of time.
Princess Tamsin
by Annette WickesScholastic
A story about separation where the parents do not have a good relationship and Tamsin has to adjust to the changes of relocation. A common goal outside of the family (saving an ancient gum tree in the school yard) facilitates a more respectful relationship both within the family and the community.
